PRINCESS ANNE, MD – (July 19, 2012) – The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s small farm bus tour offers a variety of educational stops over a two-day period later this month. Back by popular demand, the tour will allow participants to “Explore New Farm Income Opportunities,” on Monday, August 27, and Tuesday, August 28.

Tour participants depart from the Richard A. Henson Center on the university’s campus at 7:30 a.m.Over the next 48 hours, they will visit successful and innovative farming ventures in Delaware and Pennsylvania to explore alternatives and possibilities that will help the average farmer increase his or her bottom line and implement sustainable practices. Major topics of discussion center on direct marketing, value-added products, sustainable farming practices, alternative “niche” crops and agri-tourism. The tour ends at the Henson Center around 6:30 p.m. on August 28.

The tour is sponsored by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Small Farm Outreach Initiative, a grant-funded project to help small-scale and underserved farmers prosper and become successful agriculture entrepreneurs through education, training and outreach. In the project’s third year under the leadership of Small Farm Program Coordinator Berran Rogers, over 400 clients have participated in informational meetings, workshops, field tours and conferences as well as other programs.

The registration fee, which covers bus transportation, hotel accommodations for one night, educational materials and light refreshments, is $25 per person. To register online, visit www.umes.edu/1890-mce. Registration and payment must be received by Thursday, August 23.

For more information about select tour stops during the “Exploring New Farm Income Opportunities” bus tour or the Small Farm Outreach Initiative, contact Rogers at 410-651-6070 or 6693.